Just hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum assured the nation of adequate security during Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary broadcasts, reports emerged that suspected Boko Haram terrorists abducted around 15 farmers in the Ngoshe community of Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State.
Due to poor telecommunications in the region, the exact timing of the incident remains unclear, though it likely occurred Tuesday. Rising tensions between terrorists and farmers, as the harvest season neared, were noted in the border areas between Cameroon and Gwoza.
Reports reveal that five of the abducted farmers were killed, along with a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Jubril Dada Zarana, who had been actively assisting security agencies in countering the attack.
The terrorists ambushed the farmers during agricultural activities, and despite efforts from security forces and the CJTF, they were unable to hold off the attackers. Sources confirmed that five civilians, including men and women, were killed after the terrorists took them to their base. Meanwhile, three women were released, with several others, including children and elderly people, still held captive.
Community members are urging prayers and calling attention to the suffering of the residents, who remain in their homeland despite the lack of food and essential support.